Movable electric receptacle



.- 26, 1936. w. J. KELLEY Q 2,042,105

MOVABLE ELECTRIC RECEPTACLE Filed March 9, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 [72vzrzzor WEJLEY I #51. L EV y 26, 1936. w, KELLEY 2,042,105

MOVABLE ELECTRIC RECEPTACLE Filed March 9, 1934 s Sheets-Sheet 2 z ,7,.2/ I v WEsL EYf/l ELLEY Y E L L E K i w MOVABLE ELECTRIC RECEPTACLE 3Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 9, 1954 I INVENTOR WESLEYJ KELLEY ATTORNEY6Patented May 26, 1936 snares MOVABLE ELECTRIC REUEPEAQIE Wesley .i.Kelley, mnneapolis, Minn.

Application March 9, 1934, Serial No. 314,819

7 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in movableelectric receptacles, and more particularly to a novel mounting for anelectric receptacle adapted to be supported in a base board or othersuitable support, whereby the receptacle may be conveniently moved fromone place to another to accommodate electrical appliances, such as aradio or lamp, without the necessity of employing extension cords, whichare often objectionable.

An object of the invention is to provide a movable electric receptaclecomprising a suitable support having an elongated recess therein, openat one side to the atmosphere through a longitudinally extending slot inwhich the receptacle is slidably mounted, and means being provided forclosing said slot, but permitting free movement of the receptacletherein.

A further object of the invention is to provide an elongated supportingmember having one or more electric receptacles slidably mounted thereinand adapted for independent movement, and a pair of electric conductorsbeing mounted in said support and concealed therein in such a mannerthat they cannot be engaged by an instrument from the exterior of thesupport.

Other objects of the invention reside in the particular construction ofthe slot closing means; in the means provided in connection with thereceptacle for operating or flexing the slot closing means to permitfree traveling movement of the receptacle in said slot; and, in thegeneral construction of the slot closing means, whereby the slot ismaintained closed at all times, regardless of the position of thereceptacle or the number of such receptacles supported in the slot, andalso, whereby the receptacles are adapted for independent movement; and,in the specific construction of the slot closing means which coinprisesa pair of oppositely disposed flexible members provided at theiradjacent edges with interlocking elements. which automatically operateto connect together said flexible members to there'- by positively closethe slot at opposite sides and between adjacent receptacles,

Other objects of the invention will appear from the followingdescription and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in theannexed claims. 5

In the accompanying drawings, there has been disclosed a structuredesigned to carry out the' various objects .of the invention, but it isto be the exact features shown as various changes may understood thatthe invention is not confined to showing two receptacles, and the meanspro-- vided for closing the slot;

Figure 2 is a sectional detail view on the line 2-2 of Figure 3, showingthe action of the slot closing means at each receptacle;

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure1;.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the line M of Figure 3,showing'the means provided at opposite sides of the receptacle foractuating the slot closing means; I

Figure 5 is a detail sectional view of the receptacle removed from therest ofothe apparatus;

Figure 6 is a sectional view on the line l5-t of Figure 7, showinganother construction wherein the slot closing means consists of a pairof overlapping resilient elements;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view on the line 1-? of Figure 6, showingthe positions of the slot closing elements at the point where theextension oi the receptacle extends through the slot;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line M of Figure 9,showing another construction wherein the slot closing means consists ofa pair of flexible spring actuated ribbons mounted in suitable guidesprovided in the walls of the slot;

Figure 9 is a front view of Figure 8 showing a single receptacle mountedin the slot;

Figure '10 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the line lt-lt ofFigure 9;

Figure 11 is a detail sectional view showing a simple manner of securingthe slot closing ribbons to the body of the receptacle;

Figure 12 is a view showing still another construction wherein the slotin which the receptacle is mounted is open, and the electric conductorsare concealed within the device so that they cannot be engaged from theopen slot;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12 showing the devicemounted in a base board;

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view of the receptacle removed from theguide slot;

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the receptacle;

and

Figure 16 is a view showing the device provided with two receptaclesadapted for independent movement.

In the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, for purposes ofdisclosure, there is edges of the members 6-4 of the strips 4 are Ispaced apart to provide a longitudinally extending slot 1,extendingsubstantially the full length of the recess or chamber 3'.

The receptacle, generally indicated by the numeral 8, is showncomprising a body portion 9 having a reduced extension Ii, provided atits inner end with oppositely extending projections or flanges I2,spaced from the adjacent face E3 of the body 9. The reduced extension iiis receivable in the slot 1, and the flanges i2-i2 engage the innerfaces of the members 6@ of the strips 4, to thereby retain thereceptacle in operatlve position in the slot 1.

v The receptacle is here shownprovided with a pair of spaced aperturesI4 and IS in which are mounted flexible contacts i6 and I! provided withelectrical conductor strips l8 and 19 which pass through the reducedextension ii and terminate within the recess or chamber 3, in flexiblecontact elements 2| and 22. The contacts 2| and 22 electrically engage apair of fixed conductors 23 and 24, respectively,-shown secured to aninsulating bar 25 suitably secured in the bottom of the recess'orchamber 3 by such means as screws 26. It will thus be seen that theresilient contacts l3 and ll of the receptacle 8 are constantlyelectrically engaged with the conductors 23 and 24. The conductors 23and 24 are connected to a suitable source of electrical energy by suchmeans as wires 21 and 28.

An important feature of this invention resides in the means provided forconstantly maintaining the slot I closed, regardless of the position 'orpositions of the receptacle or receptacles, as shown in Figure 1. Indevices of this character, it is of utmost importancethat the electricconductors 23 and 24 be so concealed and protected that persons cannotaccidentally come in contact therewith.

To thus close the slot 1, there is shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, apair of flexible elements 23 and 3|, having portions clampingly securedbetween the wedge-shaped members I and 3 of the strips 4 by suitablescrews 32. The adjacent edges of theflexible elements 29 and 3! overhangthe walls of the slot I, deflned by the adjacent edges of thewedge-shaped members 3-3, and are shown provided with spaced linkelements, generally indicated by the numerals 33 and 34, which arecommonly known to the trade as zippers."

Suitable devices "are shown secured to opposite sides of each receptacleladapted to actuate the interlocking links 33 and 34 to move them intoand'out of, interlocking engagement, as the receptacle is movedlengthwise in the slot 1.

These actuating devices are of ordinary wellknown construction such ascommonly used in connection .with zipper fasteners, and it is thereforethought unnecessary. to herein illustrate and-describe the sam'eindetail. a

. By'means of the flexible elements 23 and 3| and the zipperdevices33,'3l, and 33, it will readily be that as the receptacle ismoved 5 from oneposition to another in the slot 1, one of the'zlppe'rdevices will'actuate the elements 33 and 34, at one side ofthereceptacle. and thus operatively connect them together, while thedevice 35 at the opposite side of the receptacle will cause the links 33and 34 to become disconnected to thereby permit the reduced extension iI of the receptacle to pass freely back and forth between 6 the twoflexible members 23 and 3|, as best shown in Figure 2.

In Figures 6 and '1, there is illustrated another construction whereinthe slot closing means consists of a pair of resilient ribbon-likemembers 10 36 and 31, preferably having their adjacent edges arranged inoverlapping relation, as shown in Figure 6. The outer edges of themembers 33 and 31 are secured to the supporting member or base board 38by suitable clamping strips 33 and ll, 15 secured in rabbets 42 providedin the face of the supporting member 38 by such means as screws 53. Theadjacent edges of the clamping strips ll overhang the spaced walls ofthe chamber or recess 3, and are spaced apart to provide a longi- 20tudinally extending slot 34 in which the reduced portion ii of thereceptacle 8 may trava.

The slot closing elements 36 and 3'I may be constructed of a suitablespring metal or other suitable resilient material, capable of flexing,as 26 shown in Figures 6 and 7, to permit the reduced portion ll of thereceptacle to pass freely back and forth in the slot 34.

Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a construction wherein the slotclosing means consists of a 30 The ribbon-like elements 45 and 43 havetheir 40;

edges received in suitable guides 43 provided in the adjacent edges of apair of longitudinal strips or plates I52, secured in recesses 53'provided in the face of the supporting member 2, by such means asscrews. The adjacent edges of the 45; plates 52 cooperate to provide thewalls of the slot 3|. 7

In the form here shown, the movement of the receptacle 8 will, ofcourse, be limited to the a length of the flexible elements or ribbonsll and 50. f; The receptacle, however, is freely movable back andforth-in the slot ii in the same manner shown in the previous figures,and may therefore be positioned at any point within the length oftheslot. I v i i In the construction shown in Figures 1 and 7, two ormore receptacles may be mounted in the same slot, andeach is adaptedformovement independently of the other. In these figures, the slot closingelements do not move in a lengthwise direction in the slot, as "does theflexible ribbon-like elements shownin Figure 8. The slot closingelements, shown in Figures 1 to 8 are separated by the reduced portionll of the receptacle, as shown in Figures 2 and-6, after which theyresume their normal closed positions, as hereinbefore described.

Figures 12 to 16, inclusive, show another con struction, comprising anelongated supporting member 33 recessed as shown at 33. Alongitudinally'extending rib I1 is shown provided between the receaes",upon which is suitably secured'a strip or plate of insulatingmaterial- ",to the bottom face of which a pair of conductor bars 33 andii are suitablyisecuredas 75.

shown in l2 and 13. The insulating strip or -plate 58 may be of bakeliteand secured to the rib 51 by suitable means such as screws, indicated at62 in Figure 13.

Similar insulating strips or plates 63 and 6% are suitably secured tothe upper faces of the supporting member 55, and have their adjacentedges spaced apart to provide an elongated opening or slot 65 in whichan electric receptacle 86 is slidably mounted. The slot '85 is disposeddirectly over the lower or inner plate 58 and the opposed edge portionsof the latter extend into the recesses 56 beneath the edge portions ofthe plates 63 and 56, so that it is practically impossible for anyone toinsert an instrumentality into the slot 65 in such a manner as to engagethe electric conductors 59 and 6!.

The receptacle 5B is shown in detail in Figures 14 and 15, and comprisessuitable apertures bl and 6B in which are mounted flexible contact clips69 and H; respectively. Flexible contacts 12 and 73 are electricallyconnected to the lower ends of the clips 67 and W, and are preferablyshaped as shown in Figure 13, whereby they extend around the opposededges of the insulating plate 58 and have their terminals contactingwith the conductor bars 59 and 6| with a yielding pressure. Thus, thecontact clips 69 and H of the receptacle 66 are always in electricalconnection with the circuit whereby the plug is always ready for use,regardless of where it may be positioned in the slot 85 of thesupporting member 55.

The receptacle may be moulded of bakelite, and is shown provided at itsbottom with an elongated portion ld extending across the diameter of theplug and having oppositely disposed flanges l5 and It formed thereon,which cooperate with adjacent faces of the receptacle to provide opposedrecesses or grooves 11 adapted to receive the adjacent edges of theinsulating plates 63 and 64, as will readily be understood by referenceto Figures 12 and 13. The width of the portion 14 is slightly less thanthe width of the slot whereby the receptacle may readily be moved backand forth in said slot.

The device shown in Figure 12 is very compact and small in size, and maybe fitted into a comparatively small groove or recess provided in theface of a base board, a door casing. a ceiling, or any other suitableplace where it may be found desirable to provide electric outlets. Inthe form here shown, any number of receptacles may be mounted in theslot 65, and all of such receptacles are movable independently of oneanother whereby they may readily be positioned along the wall or ceilingto accommodate electric-appliances or fixtures stationed about a room orshop.

The device is very simple and inexpensive an comprises comparatively fewparts. Thesupporting member 55 may be formed of any suitable materialsuch as bakelite or wood, and, in some instances it may be desirable'toform it of sheet metal, in which case, the conductor bars 59 and SImust, of course, be well insulated therefrom. The device may be made toany suitable length and, if desired, may extend the full length of aroom. The receptacles 6b are comparatively simple in'construction, as isclearly shown in the drawings, and when fltted into the slot 65, asshown in Figure 12, may be moved freely back and forth therein and anystrain exerted thereon will be taken up entirely by the opposed flangesl5 and I6, fitting against the inner faces of the insulating plates 88and 8d. The receptacles are inserted into the slot 88 from one end ofthe device, as willreadily be understood by reference to Figures 12 and18.

The invention herein set forth, may readily be embodied in theconstruction of a base board or other suitable supporting member atsmall cost, and provides means whereby the receptacles may be freelymoved about from place to place within the length of the slot in whichthey are supported, to thereby conveniently position them with respectto the electrical appliances to be served thereby. The slot closingelements posi-' tively close the slot so that access cannot be had to.the chamber or recess 3 in which the electrical conductors 23 and 2 3are mounted, thereby avoiding accidents from electric shocks, whichmight occur if the slots were open and the con ductors 28 and asexposed.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the class described, a member having an elongatedrecess therein open at one side, electric conductors in said recess,guides extending lengthwise of the recess, a receptacle mounted fortraveling movement in said guides and having contacts engaging saidconductors, and flexible, non-resilient means constantly closing theopen side of said recess and permitting free movement of the receptacletherein.

2. In a device of the class described, a member having an elongatedrecess therein open at one side, electric conductors in said recess, areceptacle mounted for traveling movement in said recess and havingcontacts engaging said conductors, and means at opposite sides of saidrecess adapted for interlocking engagement to thereby close said recessand permitting free movement of the receptacle therein.

3. In a device of the class described, a member having an elongatedrecesstherein open at one side, electric conductorsin said recess, anelectric receptacle mounted for traveling movement in said recess andelectrically associated. with said conductors, and zipper means forconstantly closing the open side of said recess and permitting freemovement of the receptacle therein.

4. In a device of the class described, a supporting member having anelongated recess therein, a wall of said recesshaving a longitudinallyextending slot therein of less width than the width of said recess, areceptacle slidably mounted in said slot, means in said recess forsupplying electric current to the receptacle, and non-resilient meansclosing the slot and permitting free movement of the receptacle therein.

5. In a device of the class described, a supporting member having anelongated recess therein, a wall of said recess having a longitudinallying member having an elongated recess therein provided at one side witha wall having a longitudinally extending slot therein communicating withthe recess, electric conductors in said recess, connected to a source ofelectric energy, a receptacle slidably mounted in the slot in said Vailand having contacts constantly enzazinz said conductors, zipper means atopposite sides of said slots for closing the same, and means on the ingmeans having an elongated recess therein open at one side, electricconductors in said recess, an electric receptacle mounted for travelingmovement lengthwise o; the recess and electrical- 1y associated withsaid conductors, and interlockable means constantly closing the openside oi. said recessa -WESLEY J. mm.s

